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Visitor Information
Arboretum
The Arboretum is full of interesting and unusual trees and shrubs. Designed by ‘Capability’ Brown in 1762, it retains much of his original vision.
On 30 May 1765 Lady Shelburne’s diary noted, “…Mr Browne’s plantations are very young but promising”. Brown supplied the “forest trees”, with Lord Shelburne sourcing “curious seeds and trees”. These included cedar of Lebanon, one of Brown’s signature trees, several of which can still be seen at Bowood, including the largest cedar in Europe!
An extensive range of trees that continue to be added to can be explored in the Arboretum. There are over 700 species and 23 Champion trees. The nearby Pinetum was first laid out in 1849. Here the trees were planted in a geographical pattern according to their country of origin. Meandering through the trees leading down to the charming Doric Temple overlooking the lake makes for a pleasant walk.
Towards the end of the eighteenth century, following the advice of the Hon. Charles Hamilton of Painshill, a ‘picturesque’ rock landscape, with a cascade, grottoes and a hermit’s cave, was constructed below Brown’s dam at the head of the lake.
Download our tree guideOVER 700 SPECIES OF TREES
Bowood’s arboretum features 700 different species among which are 23 ‘champion’ trees – the largest or tallest of their kind recorded in Britain and Ireland. The Pinetum dates back to the 1840s and its layout is inspired geographically with various species placed according to the longitude and latitude of their natural habitat.
Within the 100 acres of Pleasure Grounds that are open to the public, the ‘Capability’ Brown parkland – with its defining encircling belts of trees, punctuating arboreal clumps and towering ‘Cedar of Lebanon’ trees – will once again be a sight to behold as it becomes bathed in its autumn hues.
A star turn to spot within the Pleasure Grounds this autumn is the bright crimson Red Maple, while the River Birch features a shimmering yellow leaf. There is also the Paper-bark Birch with its white bark that peels in wide sheets. Also, revealing themselves among the burnished yellows, oranges and golds are the nut-producing Shagbark and Big Shellbark Hickories.
download our treeguidePLANTING ONE MILLION TREES AT BOWOOD
Tree planting at Bowood is a tradition that has continued with every generation of the Lansdowne family – over one million trees have been planted in the past 40 years alone. Since taking over the running of Bowood in 1972, the 9th Marquis of Lansdowne has gone on to add at least 360 surviving specimens to the collection and has masterminded what has probably been the most exciting period of arboriculture in the Estate’s history. As a boy in 1951, the first tree planted by the current Marquis was an English Oak.
The Estate’s Forestry Department undertakes an annual planting scheme across 750 acres of woodland, including a 300-acre private conservation area which is specifically maintained to support wildlife. In the past year alone, Bowood’s two full-time foresters have planted in excess of 3,000 trees. Homegrown oak is used for property repairs on the Estate, while Bowood Hotel’s biomass boiler – utilising 500 tonnes of woodchip a year – is entirely supplied with timber grown on the Estate.
Garden Tours
Whether you’re a tour operator, special interest group or planning to visit with friends and family, we have a variety of garden tours and packages at Bowood House & Gardens to suit all interests.
A guided tour of the enchanting landscape awaits you, with a flowing mix of plantations and sweeping lawns leading down to a mile long lake. Behind the Georgian house through a secret door is Lord and Lady Lansdowne’s Private Walled Garden. Offering guided tours of the four distinct one-acre square garden’s comprising of formal borders, a picking garden, glass houses and a working kitchen garden.
Group Visits
Groups of 15 or more can enjoy a beautiful day visiting Lord and Lady Lansdowne’s family home, surrounded by acres of ‘Capability’ Brown landscape and stunning gardens. With the option for groups to enjoy at their own leisure or to book a guided tour.
Private Walled Garden Tours
Enjoy an exclusive guided tour of the Marquis and Marchioness of Lansdowne’s Private Walled Gardens, surrounding Bowood House.
We offer the opportunity for guests to book onto our monthly guided tours dates. For groups of 15 or more, a tour can be organised on a weekday of your choice with discounted rates. For more information please email houseandgardens@bowood.org or telephone 01249 812 102.
School Visits
Wiltshire’s Bowood House & Gardens is set within 2,000 acres of Grade I listed ‘Capability’ Brown parkland, making it the perfect location for outdoor learning and adventures. With school groups in mind, Bowood has devised a selection of specially-themed tours that will capture the imagination of Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 pupils.
Capability Brown Garden Tour
You may wish to book a group of 15 guests or more on to a special ‘Capability’ Brown themed garden tour. The Bowood landscape has an exceptionally interesting history which will be revealed in this special tour.
Bowood House & Gardens Opening Hours
Bowood House & Gardens will reopen for the 2023 season from 1st April – 1st November.
Opening hours: 10:00 – 17:00 with last admissions at 16:00 daily.
Treehouse Café opens from 9:30 – 17:00
Bowood House & Gift Shop opens from 10:00 – 16:30 last entry at 16:00
Adventure Playground and The Den closes at 16:45
House & Gardens Ticket Prices
Bowood House & Gardens will reopen for the 2023 season from 1st April – 1st November. 10:00 – 17:00, last admissions 16:00 daily.
2023 Day Ticket Prices:
- Family option 1 (2 Adults + 1 Child aged 12 and under) – £40.00
- Family option 2 (2 Adults + 2 Children or 1 Adult + 3 Children aged 12 and under) – £48.60
- Family option 3 (2 Adults + 3 Children aged 12 and under) – £57.80
- Adult (17+) – £16.40
- Senior (60+) – £13.80
- Young Adult (13-16) – £13.80
- Junior (7-12) – £12.40
- Child (2-6) – £10.00
Available to purchase online HERE
Bowood House & Gardens Facilities
FACILITIES:
- The Treehouse Café is located by admissions, and the café offers a range of sandwiches, paninis, wraps, etc. with a selection of fillings.
- The Stables Pantry located within the House offers light refreshments.
- Conveniently located in the middle of the Adventure Playground, the Ice Cream Kiosk is open during school holidays and weekends.
- Complimentary car park available next to admissions. Please do not leave pets in parked cars. If you use our car parks, you do so at your own risk. Bowood is not able to accept any responsibility for damage, accidents, or losses.
- Designated parking is available and wheelchairs can be borrowed, subject to availability. Visitors to the House may be allowed to drive to a set off point adjacent to Bowood House upon request. Please note that for safety and security reasons we would request to hold your car keys until departure.
- Toilets are available within the Treehouse Café, next to admissions, next to the Adventure Playground, and within Bowood House.
- Accessible toilets are initially provided in the Treehouse Café. Baby changing facilities are available in the Treehouse Café and next to the Adventure Playground. Please ask a member of the team if you require any assistance.
- Picnics are allowed anywhere within the grounds (except the Terraces by the House) and picnic benches are provided.
- Barbeques are not permitted anywhere within the Grounds including the car park.
- Only working Assistance Dogs are permitted at Bowood House & Gardens
- Please also note paths around the House and Grounds are gravel therefore Wheelchairs and Pushchairs may find it difficult.
- Bowood House & Gardens will continue to operate as a cash free site.
- Children’s Activities are available here at Bowood, click here
Bowood House & Gardens Find Us
Can I travel to Bowood using public transport?
Bus – Routes 33 and X33 (Chippenham to Devizes) go through Derry Hill Village.
Route 55 stops on the A4 close to the turning into Derry Hill Village.
It is approximately 1½ miles from the entrance gate to Admissions for the House & Gardens.Train – The nearest mainline station is Chippenham. Taxis are available or you can take the 55 bus to Studley crossroads.
Which entrance do I use?
The entrance to the House and Gardens is at the other end of Derry Hill village, just off the A4. You will enter via a White Gate. If using Satellite Navigation, please use postcode SN11 9NF.All are signposted from the A4 and A342.
Please note: There is no access from the Golden Gates entrance to Bowood Hotel, Spa, and Golf Resort opposite the Lansdowne Arms public house in Derry Hill.The Woodland Gardens (open from 14th April to early June) are located off the A342 between Derry Hill and Sandy Lane. For Satellite Navigation please use the postcode SN11 9PG.
Is there a car and coach park at Bowood?
Free parking is available opposite the Treehouse Café and the main Admission point as well as the Woodland Gardens.Can coaches drop passengers at Bowood House?
It is possible for coaches to drop off and collect passengers from the House by prior arrangement. Please call 01249 812 102 for all group booking enquiries.For more information, please call: 01249 812 102 or email: reception@bowood.org
Bowood House & Gardens Opening Hours
Bowood House & Gardens will reopen for the 2023 season from 1st April – 1st November.
Opening hours: 10:00 – 17:00 with last admissions at 16:00 daily.
Treehouse Café opens from 9:30 – 17:00
Bowood House & Gift Shop opens from 10:00 – 16:30 last entry at 16:00
Adventure Playground and The Den closes at 16:45
Bowood House & Gardens Facilities
FACILITIES:
- The Treehouse Café is located by admissions, and the café offers a range of sandwiches, paninis, wraps, etc. with a selection of fillings.
- The Stables Pantry located within the House offers light refreshments.
- Conveniently located in the middle of the Adventure Playground, the Ice Cream Kiosk is open during school holidays and weekends.
- Complimentary car park available next to admissions. Please do not leave pets in parked cars. If you use our car parks, you do so at your own risk. Bowood is not able to accept any responsibility for damage, accidents, or losses.
- Designated parking is available and wheelchairs can be borrowed, subject to availability. Visitors to the House may be allowed to drive to a set off point adjacent to Bowood House upon request. Please note that for safety and security reasons we would request to hold your car keys until departure.
- Toilets are available within the Treehouse Café, next to admissions, next to the Adventure Playground, and within Bowood House.
- Accessible toilets are initially provided in the Treehouse Café. Baby changing facilities are available in the Treehouse Café and next to the Adventure Playground. Please ask a member of the team if you require any assistance.
- Picnics are allowed anywhere within the grounds (except the Terraces by the House) and picnic benches are provided.
- Barbeques are not permitted anywhere within the Grounds including the car park.
- Only working Assistance Dogs are permitted at Bowood House & Gardens
- Please also note paths around the House and Grounds are gravel therefore Wheelchairs and Pushchairs may find it difficult.
- Bowood House & Gardens will continue to operate as a cash free site.
- Children’s Activities are available here at Bowood, click here
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